THE STORY
Rutland Sailability was instrumental in helping my nephew’s recovery and rehabilitation after suffering a devastating AVM (think huge stroke) at the age of only 17. He spent many weeks in the Critical Care Unit, followed by months in hospital but has been incredibly brave and determined in fighting his way back over many years to a life which he can enjoy now.
His mother worked tirelessly for her son and for this Charity but sadly died all too soon and just before Covid struck. I promised my brother that I would walk to Rome in his wife’s memory and to raise funds for Rutland Sailability, which is in the main run by enthusiastic and hardworking volunteers.
My dear brother died last year but it was his wish that I might be able to raise enough funds for a boat to be named after his wife, which maybe, who knows, one day their son might sail?
« If we could bottle the smiles as our sailors come in off the water » ..Pauline Harris, Rutland Sailability
THÉ BEGINNING -CANTERBURY TO ROME -1,900 km
Started before Covid when my daughter and I began our Via Francigena, the centuries old pilgrim route to Rome, with a beautiful and poignant blessing in the ancient Cathedral of Canterbury before walking to Dover.
NEXT STEPS
Returned in September to continue, this time on bikes, from Calais to Reims. Flooded roads, torrential rain, horrendous winds and then to cap it all a trip to hospital for X-rays and stitches after parting company with my bike! Luckily I had my husband with me!
REIMS TO PONTARLIER
Restarted in June, but worried about the amount of distance yet to go, so decided to jump on bikes again! A distance of over 300 miles, with some dubious navigation! Pouring rain at the beginning gave way to a heatwave with temperatures in the thirties!
CONTINUATION ON FOOT
I am leaving next week to walk on my own across Switzerland, over the Great St Bernard Pass to Italy. Hope my navigation has improved! My son and grandson, who wish to do their part in this memorial walk, are joining me in Martigny for the ascent up the mountain.
RETURN AND FUTURE PLANS
We shall return from Aosta to home at the end of August.
I shall go back a few weeks later to continue my pilgrimage.
Hopefully I will be able to cross the APennines before the bad weather sets in.
ARRIVAL IN ROME
Planned for spring next year, all being well
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